State of Maryland

An Octane Engine Operator II is the intermediate level of work that uses sound judgment to conduct and record results of tests of motor and diesel fuels to determine the octane or cetane rating in conformance with American Society for Testing Materials standards.  Employees in this classification perform required thorough before-operation checks and make the proper adjustments to the test engine, fuel systems and test meters to maintain mandatory operating conditions as specified for the test method used. Employees in this classification make the required daily inspections and perform the maintenance and repair necessary below that of top overhaul and may require the use of specialized tools and working with close tolerances. Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but may assist in the training of other Octane Engine Operators and student trainees.

Employees in this classification receive moderate supervision of a higher-level Octane Engine Operator or the supervisor of the engine testing section.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Prepares reference fuel blends in conformance with American Society for Testing Materials;

Adjusts test engine for standard knock intensity;

Checks test engine rating characteristics using basic standardized fuel;

Performs daily adjustment of knockmeter and detonation meter;

Adjusts cylinder height and fuel-air ratio;

Determines proper bracketing of reference fuel blends;

Makes daily inspection of fuel system, lubrication, ignition and valves of test engines;

Performs carbon blasting to remove carbon deposits in combustion chamber;

Performs repair and maintenance not requiring top overhaul;

Assists more experienced Octane Engine Operators in detail repair of test engine;

Keeps records of tests conducted;

May assist in training of Octane Engine Operators and other employees;

May testify in court;

Performs other related duties.  

Knowledge, at the elementary level of understanding, of internal combustion engines;

Knowledge, at the elementary level of understanding, of octane or cetane test engine;

Knowledge, at the elementary level of understanding, of the use of micrometer and timing gauges;

Knowledge, at the elementary level of understanding, of the use of torque wrenches and standard mechanic tools;

Ability to prepare reference fuel blends in accordance with specifications;

Ability to insure proper preparations are made before starting engine;

Ability to maintain mandatory standard operating conditions of test engine according to test method used;

Ability to adjust basic cylinder height;

Ability to obtain proper fuel-air ration;

Ability to adjust knockmeter and detonation meter;

Ability to determine accurate bracketing of reference fuels;

Ability to make detailed daily inspection of test engine;

Ability to perform carbon blasting of cylinder chamber, piston and piston rings;

Ability to use torque wrenches and standard mechanic tools and work with close tolerances when making repairs;

Ability to keep accurate test results;

Ability to follow directions.

Education:   Graduation from a standard high school and successful completion of an Automotive Mechanic, Aviation Mechanic or Heavy Equipment Mechanic course from a recognized military or civilian technical school.

Experience: One year experience as an octane or cetane testing engine operator.

Note: Candidates may substitute one year of experience as an entry level Octane Engine Operator for the above specialized post-high school education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.